Maine Text Messaging and Cell Phone Laws

Except for novice drivers, there is no prohibition on cell
phone use while driving in Maine. All Maine drivers are prohibited from texting while
driving.

Cell Phone Use

There is no handheld cell phone prohibition for drivers in Maine.

Novice drivers in Maine - drivers with learner’s
permits or provisional/intermediate licenses – are prohibited from using a
cellphone (handheld or hands-free) while driving.

Texting Laws

All Maine drivers are prohibited from texting while driving. The fine for a first offense is $100 and there are increased fines for subsequent offenses.

Bus Drivers

Bus drivers are prohibited from texting while driving.

How is it Enforced?

The fine for a first offense of texting while driving is $100 and there are increased fines for subsequent offenses.Maine’s novice cell phone and texting laws are considered
“primary” laws. A primary law means that an officer can pull you over for the
offense without having to witness some other violation. That is, the officer
sees you texting and issues a citation. Maine also has a “distracted driving law,”
officially known as the "An Act To Establish a Distracted Driver Law." According to this law, a driver fails to maintain control of
a vehicle if she is engaging in activities that are not necessary to the
operation of the vehicle, or activities that impair the ability of the person
to safely operate the vehicle. The new law defines "Failure To
Maintain Control of A Motor Vehicle" as committing a traffic
violation or being involved in a "reportable" accident while engaged
in the operation of a motor vehicle while distracted.

Additional Maine Information

Follow the links below to get additional information regarding driving laws in Maine.